Your growing baby’s development in week 33

Help your growing baby develop in the thirty-third week of your pregnancy

You are giving your precious growing baby antibodies that contributes to his or her immunity.

What’s happening this week?

Your growing baby is drawing upon your antibodies to develop his or her own immune systemi. This will give him or her protection both in the womb.

Your amniotic fluid levels fluctuate with each pregnancy weekii; and as your growing baby fills up the space in your uterus, you will now feel kicks more intensely. However, due to the cramped conditions, your growing baby may not move as much as before.

Your growing baby’s brain is quite well developed by now; but the skull, unlike other bones in the body that have hardened, stays soft to make birthing process easier while still protecting the brain.iii

By this week, your growing baby weighs 4.25 pounds (1.9 kilograms) and measures about 17.25 inches from head to toe (44 centimeters).iv

What can you expect?

You may feel overheated or warmer than usual due to the increased flow of blood and higher metabolic rate in your body during pregnancy.v Cool off with these steps and you’ll be enjoying your pregnancy more:

Drink plenty of water to regulate your body temperature.

Know when to stop your exercise. While keeping active paves the way for a healthy pregnancy, stop your physical activity if you feel your body is overheating and you’re beginning to get dizzy or nauseated. Remember to consult your doctor before doing any exercises during your pregnancy.

What can you do to support your pregnancy?

Continue to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, they are rich in nutrients like vitamin C which supports your immune system.vi

If you are on an exercise regimen, eat some protein afterwards to help your muscles recover, as pregnant women require more protein.vii This protein boost also helps your developing baby’s body to grow. During the third trimester of your pregnancy, you need extra protein of around 30 grams dailyviii which you can get from a variety of sources such as poultry, fish, milk, and eggs. Poultry and red meat are not only a good source of protein, they are also rich in zinc which supports both yours and your growing baby’s immune function.ix

Keep communicating to your little one growing baby! Aside from stimulating the brain through sensory perception and memory, studies show that the growing baby’s emotions start developing in the wombx and you can help this development by showing him or her plenty of affection.

References:

i. Infection and the Immune System. (2009, October 31). Retrieved April 16, 2017 from